At John Hellins, we consider the English curriculum to be pivotal in improving pupil’s ability to access all other subject areas. English is divided into four main areas.

• Oracy- Language is embedded into the EYFS curriculum and is a strong feature of the environment. You will hear quality conversations, books shared throughout the day, quality back and forth interactions between adult and child as well as modelled language choices specifically and carefully considered. Curriculum planning now includes tier three vocabulary and this is transferred onto weekly plans. Children have timetabled opportunities to read aloud and listen to adults read in order to hear fluency and speech modelled correctly. Story times are timetabled daily in all classes and partner work is an essential part of our learning.

• Phonics – we ensure children are early readers by teaching daily phonics through the scheme ‘Little Wandle’. Staff have been fully trained and the online subscription gives opportunity for ongoing CPD throughout the year. The planning and resources are linked to the scheme and are all prepared. Teachers deliver the sessions and teaching assistants will support the delivery with 1-1 guidance and follow up interventions. The TAs are also fully trained.

 

• Reading- Children have access to quality books throughout the day with teachers carefully selecting challenging texts to use in English lessons. Alongside this, we have a visible reading spine that threads through the school, including books on poetry, classic stories and recently published works. Children read individually from reception to year 6 and we have a variety of committed reading volunteers. This supports the weekly whole class guided reading sessions where children are taught to analyse aspects of texts with a key objective in mind. Grammar and punctuation are also taught as part of these sessions.

 

• Writing- Teachers use elements of Pie Corbett’s ‘Talk for Writing’ scheme where you will find text maps, ‘never heard the word’ vocabulary posters, boxing up planning, fiction imitation and invention. Grammar and punctuation teaching comes within the lessons.